Concrete stamping apparatus

ABSTRACT

A concrete stamping apparatus includes a roller with a stamp forming its surface, and a receiving portion for rotatably holding the roller. The receiving portion can be adjustably weighted, such that the roller will stamp the concrete uniformly as the concrete tightens.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for stamping concrete with patterns, textures or both.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Concrete is a staple in the construction industry. It is a preferred material because of its costs. Concrete is typically poured in slabs. Typically, the poured concrete slabs are given a broom finish pattern, by merely sweeping over the concrete with a broom or the like and letting it harden and dry.

[0003] Other finish patterns can be put into concrete, to create other aesthetically pleasing surfaces. These finish patterns are typically “stamped” into the concrete by placing flat mats with patterns over the concrete, tamping the mats, with rods and the like, into contact with the wet concrete, and removing these flat mats.

[0004] This method of using the patterned mats is subject to numerous drawbacks. Initially, the amount of concrete that can be worked on in a day is limited. These amounts are typically about 15 yards per pour, three times a day, resulting in about 45 yards per day. Additionally, the tamping for each 15 yard portion takes time. Should other 15 yard portions be poured in parallel, they be tamped later in time, when the concrete is tightened, resulting in a non-uniform pattern being stamped into adjacent portions. Finally, stamping in this manner requires judgement of an experienced, well trained workperson, to judge when the stamping process will be optimal. This is because this kind of stamping can not be performed when the concrete is too wet or alternately, too “tight” or dry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides apparatus and methods for stamping large volumes of concrete in short time spans, with stamps, of patterns, textures or both. The resultant stamping is uniform over the entire series of concrete slabs. A single apparatus of the invention can be used on concrete when it is both wet and tightening, eliminating the need for switching stamps and/or machinery to achieve uniform stamping as the concrete is worked at different stages of its tightening. The apparatus is easy to operate and can be operated by concrete workers of all skill levels, eliminating errors associated with human judgement as well as the need for skilled concrete stamping personnel. The apparatus is also such that it does not require the preparation and stamping time, as associated with conventional stamping mats, allowing for more yards of concrete to be poured and subsequently stamped in a workday or work session, than with these contemporary methods and devices.

[0006] The present invention provides an apparatus, to which weight can be added, to accommodate stamping during the tightening of the concrete. By adding this weight, a uniform stamping can be achieved, with the resultant, stamp, of patterns, textures, or both being uniform among all of the slabs in a series of poured concrete slabs.

[0007] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a stamping apparatus. This stamping apparatus includes a roller, the roller including a surface defined by a stamp; and a receiver portion, for example, a support member, for receiving the roller in a rotatable engagement. The receiver portion is configured for weighting the roller. The stamp can include a pattern, a texture, or combinations of patterns and textures.

[0008] Another embodiment is directed to a stamping apparatus including a roller received by a receiver portion, for example, a support member. The roller includes a surface defined by a stamp, and the receiver receives the roller in a rotatable engagement, and includes at least one holder for holding removable weights. The stamp includes a pattern, a texture, or combinations thereof.

[0009] Another embodiment is directed to a stamping apparatus. This apparatus includes a roller, the roller including a surface of at least one layer including a stamp therein; and a receiver portion for receiving the roller in a rotatable engagement. This receiver portion also includes at least one holder for holding removable weights. The stamp includes a pattern, a texture, or combinations thereof.

[0010] Another embodiment is directed to a method for stamping concrete. This method includes providing a stamping apparatus including a roller, the roller including a surface defined by a stamp; and a receiver portion (e.g., a support member) for receiving the roller in a rotatable engagement, the receiver portion configured for weighting the roller; weighting to the receiver portion in accordance with the tightness of the concrete being worked; and moving the apparatus over the concrete being worked for stamping the concrete in accordance with the stamp. The weighting process can include adding, subtracting or simply not adding any weight to the receiver portion. The stamp includes a pattern, a texture, or combinations thereof.

[0011] Another embodiment is directed to a method for making a concrete stamp. This method includes providing a mold for a roller having a substantially cylindrical shaped cavity and an inner wall, the inner wall including an imprint corresponding to a stamp; placing material into contact with the inner wall to form a layer that includes a stamp corresponding to the imprint; and filling at least a substantial portion of the remaining cavity with a filler material to form a body for the roller. The roller can then be released from the mold. The imprint for the stamp can include a pattern, a texture or combinations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Attention is now directed to the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings:

[0013]FIG. 1 shows the a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in use in an exemplary operation also in accordance with the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.;

[0015]FIG. 3A shows a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0016]FIG. 3B shows a cross sectional view of an alternate roller for the apparatus of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0017]FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 2, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a mold and a manufacturing process for the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a portion broken away;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the mold shown in FIG. 5, taken along line 6-6;

[0020]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the apparatus of the invention;

[0022]FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross sections of the apparatus of FIG. 8, taken along lines 9-9 and 10-10, respectively;

[0023]FIG. 11 shows a diagram of a mold and a manufacturing process for the apparatus of FIG. 8 with a portion broken away;

[0024]FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the mold shown in FIG. 11, taken along line 12-12; and

[0025]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 shows the apparatus 20 of the present invention in an exemplary operation. Here, the apparatus 20 is being pulled, as a user (not shown) pulls a handle 21 of the apparatus 20, along a drying (tightening) concrete slab 22 (in the direction of the arrow 23 a). This movement of the roller 24 causes it to rotate (in the direction of the arrow 23 b), such that the roller 24, with a stamp or imprint 26 defining its outer surface 28, on a layer 30 of the roller 24, transfers the stamp or imprint 26 to, or “stamps”, the concrete 22. Here, a stamp of a pattern and a texture (corresponding to the stamp 26 on the roller 24), for example, that of worn brick, has been stamped into a portion 22 a of the concrete 22 by the apparatus 20.

[0027] Turning also to FIGS. 2 and 3A, the roller 24 connects to the handle 21 by a support member 31. The roller 24 is rotatably attached to the support member 31 by an axle 32, whose ends are received in openings 34 in lateral members 36 of the support member 31. The axle 32 is maintained in place by bolts 38, caps or the like.

[0028] Alternately, as shown in FIG. 3B, the roller 24 can have its axle in two portions 32 a, 32 b. These axle portions 32 a, 32 b would rotatably attach the roller 24 to the support member 31, as detailed above.

[0029] These lateral members 36 are supported by a cross bar 40 of the support member 31. The lateral members 36 and cross bar 40 are typically of metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel or the like. This cross bar 40 typically attaches to the lateral members 36 by bolts, screws or other mechanical type fasteners. Additional securement may be with welds, adhesives and the like. Alternately, the support member 31 may be unitary member, formed of metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel or the like, with the lateral members 36 bent downward from the cross bar 40. A joint 42, typically pivotal, for receiving and engaging the handle 21 is typically attached to the cross bar 40, for example, by conventional fastening structures and methods.

[0030] The cross bar 40 itself is of a weight, such that a sufficient imprinting or stamping can be made in wet concrete. The cross bar 40 is also of sufficient strength such that it can support additional weight, that is placed onto it when desired. Weight holders, for example, posts 44, extend from the cross bar 40, that coupled with the surface 48 of the crossbar 40, support weights 50. These weights 50 are such that they can be added or removed by the user (as shown by the hand 51), depending on the dryness (tightness) of the concrete. These weights 50 are typically small weights, with holes in the middle, but other shapes and configurations of weights and corresponding weight holders on thee cross bar 40 are also suitable.

[0031] This arrangement of weights 50 allows the apparatus 20 to be weighted adjustably, such that the concrete 22 can be imprinted uniformly, even though different portions of the concrete 22 are imprinted when the concrete 22 is, at different stages of tightening (hardening). By allowing for adjustable weighting, a single apparatus 20 can be used for the entire area of concrete 22 that has been poured.

[0032] The stamp or imprint 26 defining the outer surface 28 of the roller 24 is typically in the layer of material 30. The stamp or imprint 26 is typically a pattern, such as bricks, a texture, such as a worn surface, or both (a pattern and a texture, for example, in various combinations), such as worn bricks. The layer of material 30 is typically an elastomeric or polymeric material, one such material being urethane rubber. However, other materials are also suitable, provided they are able to release from concrete, either alone or with the assistance of a release agent or coating.

[0033] The material layer 30 may be as thick as desired, provided the desired imprint or stamp 26 is contained therein. This material, layer 30 is typically supported by foam 54 or other filling material, that fills the cavity 110 (and accordingly, the interior of the roller 24, defining a body 55 for the roller 24), surrounded by the material layer 30 during manufacturing of the roller 24, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and detailed below.

[0034] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparatus 20 can be made in a mold 100. Here, the mold 100 is, for example, a rubber split mold. This mold 100 includes a surface 101 (along its inner wall 102) corresponding to the desired imprint for the material layer 30, to create the resultant stamp 26 for the roller 24 of the apparatus 20. This mold 100 is such that the resultant imprint or stamp 26 on the material layer 30 of the roller 24 is seamless, such that the stamped concrete has a consistent and uninterrupted pattern.

[0035] A leveling stand 104 is placed below the mold 100. The surface 101 of the mold 100 is then coated with a material, typically urethane rubber or other curable material, to the desired thickness, to form the material layer 30 that retains the imprint. The material layer 30, for example, is a rubber layer, that is left to cure. This material layer 30 surrounds a cavity 110 in the mold 100. A cap 112, for fitting over the open end of the mold 100, is placed over the open end of the mold 100, for example in a friction fit. The cap 112 includes openings 114, 115. A rod 116, that becomes the axle 32 in the finished roller 24 is placed into aligned openings 115, 117 (in the leveling stand 104) and temporarily affixed in place by bolt assemblies 118 or other suitable fastening means. Once the rubber has cured, foam is added to the cavity 110 through the openings 114, where it hardens (forming the body 55 for the roller 24). The ends of the now formed roller 24 (FIGS. 1-3A and 4) can be coated with plastic or the like and smoothed over, so as to create a roller 24 with smooth ends.

[0036] The alternate roller 24 of FIG. 3B can be made in the mold 100 similarly to that described above. Here, the rod 116 can be omitted, and the opening 117 on the leveling stand 104 is closed. The roller 24 would then be made as detailed above, with axle portions 32 a, 32 b placed into the respective ends of the roller 24, by conventional techniques.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, an apparatus 20′, with a smaller width can be made in accordance with that detailed above. This apparatus 20′ is similar in construction and manufacture to the apparatus 20, detailed above, and identical and/or similar components are numbered in accordance with those for the apparatus 20.

[0038]FIGS. 8-10 detail an alternate apparatus 120 having an alternate roller 24′, whose material layer 30′ is thicker than the material layer 30 of the apparatus 20. While components different than those from the apparatus 20 are indicated as such, identical and/or similar components are numbered in accordance with those for the apparatus 20.

[0039] Turning also to FIGS. 11 and 12, the apparatus 120 is, for example, made in the mold 100 of FIGS. 5 and 6, except, a core 130 (or core member), such as a tube or pipe, here for example, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, is placed into the cavity of 110 of the mold 100. A cap 132, for fitting over the core 130, with openings 134 (for foam), 135 (for the rod 116, that becomes the axle 32 in the finished roller 24′) is typically placed into a frictionally fitting engagement with the core 130 (PVC pipe). The rod 116 is placed into aligned openings 117 (in the leveling stand 104), 135 (in the cap 132), and temporarily affixed in place by bolt assemblies 118 or other suitable fastening means, as detailed above.

[0040] Rubber, such as urethane, or other polymeric material, typically that is curable, is then poured into the mold 100, in the space between the surface 101 and the core 130 (PVC pipe). The rubber or other polymeric material then cures, to form the material layer 30′ for the roller 24′ of the apparatus 20′ shown in FIGS. 8-10. The core 130 can then be filled with foam 54 or the like (through the cap opening 134), to form a body 55′ for the roller 24′, as detailed above. The hardening of the foam 54 or other filler material locks the rod 116 in place.

[0041] Alternately, the rod 116 need not be included and the core 130 can be filled as detailed above (with the opening 117 in the leveling stand 104 plugged, as detailed above). Axle portions, such as those 32 a, 32 b of FIG. 3B, can be added to the drying or finished roller 24′ as detailed above.

[0042] In an alternate apparatus 220, as shown in FIG. 13, a roller 24″ can be made so as to have a smooth surface. This smooth surface can be from a core 222, typically cylindrical or drum shaped or the like, or the aforementioned core coated with a material,. such as rubber, plastic or the like. A sheet 224, with the stamp 226 (of a pattern, texture, or both), defining its outer surface 228 can then be attached to a core 222, forming the roller 24″. The sheet 224 should be such that its edges 230, 231 match, so as be uniform, avoiding any seams.

[0043] Turning back to FIGS. 1-3A and 4, an exemplary operation for the apparatus 20 is now described. This operation includes placing the apparatus 20 onto the poured concrete 22. The apparatus 20 is then pulled in the direction of the arrow 23 a, such that the roller 24 rotates, leaving an imprint, corresponding to the stamp 26, in a portion of the concrete 22 a. As the concrete 22 tightens, weights 50 can be added to the apparatus 20, in particular, placed onto the posts 24 of the crossbar 40, such that the imprint into the concrete 22 remains uniform. Weighting (as well as removal of weights 50) continues for as long as desired, depending on the tightness of the concrete 22. This pulling of the apparatus 20 continues until all of the desired concrete area has been stamped.

[0044] Thus, there has been shown and described apparatus and processes for stamping concrete It is apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications for the above described embodiments are possible, and also such changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow. 

1. A stamping apparatus comprising: a roller, the roller including a surface defined by a stamp; and a receiver portion for receiving the roller in a rotatable engagement, the receiver portion including oppositely disposed ends, each of the oppositely disposed ends configured for weighting the roller.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stamp includes a pattern.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a texture.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stamp includes a pattern and a texture.
 5. Cancelled.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiver portion includes: a cross bar extending at least substantially in the direction defined by a longitudinal axis extending through the roller, the cross bar including a first end and a second end defining the oppositely disposed ends of the receiver portion, and lateral members, each of the lateral members in communication with an end of the cross bar, the lateral members configured for receiving the roller in a rotational engagement.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cross bar includes a plurality of holders for holding removable weights, at least one holder at the first end of the cross bar and at least one holder at the second end of the cross bar.
 8. Cancelled.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising: a handle in communication with the receiver portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stamp includes a layer of material.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the material includes urethane rubber.
 12. A stamping apparatus comprising: a roller, the roller including oppositely disposed ends and a surface defined by a stamp; and a receiver portion for receiving the roller in a rotatable engagement, the receiver portion including, a first end and a second end, and at least one holder for holding removable weights at each of the first and second ends, for weighting the roller at least at one of the oppositely disposed ends.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the stamp includes a pattern.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus includes a texture.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the stamp includes a pattern and a texture.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the receiver portion includes: oppositely disposed lateral members, and a cross bar, intermediate each of the oppositely disposed lateral members, each of the lateral members and at least a portion of the cross bar defining the first and second ends of the receiver portion, the lateral members configured for receiving the oppositely disposed ends of the roller.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cross bar includes the holders for holding removable weights.
 18. Cancelled.
 19. The apparatus of claim 12, additionally comprising: a handle in communication with the receiver portion.
 20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the stamp includes a layer of material.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the material includes urethane rubber.
 22. A stamping apparatus comprising: a roller, the roller including a surface of at least one layer including a stamp therein; and a receiver portion for receiving the roller in a rotatable engagement, the receiver portion including, a first end and a second, and at least one holder for holding removable weights at each of the first and second ends, for weighting the roller at the oppositely disposed ends.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the stamp includes a pattern.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the apparatus includes a texture.
 25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the stamp includes a pattern and a texture.
 26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the receiver portion includes: oppositely disposed lateral members, and a cross bar, intermediate each of the oppositely disposed lateral members, each of the lateral members and at least a portion of the cross bar defining the respective first and second ends of the receiver portion, the lateral members configured for receiving the oppositely disposed ends of the roller.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the cross bar includes the holders for holding removable weights.
 28. Cancelled.
 29. The apparatus of claim 22, additionally comprising: a handle in communication with the receiver portion.
 30. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one layer includes one layer of urethane rubber.
 31. A method for stamping concrete comprising: providing a stamping apparatus comprising: a roller, the roller including a surface defined by an stamp; and a receiver portion for receiving the roller in a rotatable engagement, the receiver portion including oppositely disposed ends configured for receiving weight for weighting the roller; adjusting the weight on the receiver portion including, weighting at least one of the oppositely disposed ends of the receiver portion, in accordance with the tightness of the concrete being worked; and moving the apparatus over the concrete being worked for stamping the concrete in accordance with the stamp.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the weighting the receiver portion includes adding weight to at least one of the oppositely disposed ends of the receiver portion.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the weighting the receiver portion includes removing weight from at least one of the oppositely disposed ends of the receiver portion.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein the weighting the receiver portion includes not removing weight and not adding weight to the receiver portion. 35-48. Cancelled. 